Sunday, July 21, 2013

If You See Kripalu Maharaj or Prakashanand Saraswarti Turn One into Authorities and Run From the Other

If you see Prakashanand Saraswati, please call authorities. He is an escaped felon who was convicted on 20 counts of child molestation. He is believed to be in North India, but could be anywhere in the wold. He could be wearing a disguise.

Today millions around the world are worshiping their gurus through celebrations, from simple to over-the-top. Guru poornima is described as “an auspicious occasion” falling on the full moon day of the month of Ashad (July-August) where students honor their gurus by offering respect and gifts, and participating events that honor their gurus.

This year guru poornima is today, Monday July 22 — but I won’t be celebrating.

Although I celebrated guru poornima for 15 years, I will not be celebrating it this year — or ever again. My first guru poornima celebration was in July 1992 and my last was in 2006. By 2007, I knew my two “gurus” were nothing but sexual predators and con men.

The convicted felon Prakashanand Saraswati is still sought by the U.S. Marshals.

Here’s why I’ll never again celebrate guru poornima:

1. Gurus, like any teacher, aren’t meant to control your life forever.

No one needs a guru, especially not for a lifetime. If someone wants a teacher on the spiritual path, the relationship should be like that of any student to any teacher. You learn something, and go on your way. After all, do you throw an annual party for your first grade teacher?

2. Gurus aren’t God or replacements for God.

No matter how many versus of the Bhagavad Gita my ex-gurus recited telling us that “the guru is greater than God,” many times I thought: I really just want to worship God directly.

3. Gurus drain our personal power.

Worshiping another person, even a so-called guru, diminishes our own personal power and hands it over to them.

4. Gurus are not spiritual superheroes.

Since leaving my cult five years ago, I’ve studied the histories of many so-called gurus, especially those who came to the west. While they each have their unique shtick, there is a palpable similarity: They pretend to be spiritual superheroes — and their followers eat it up.

5. Gurus bring out the worst in people.

Even before I realized my gurus were fake, I suffered mightily to stay on the path because of the other people. There is so much jockeying for proximity, ambitious, jealous, selfishness, and down-right craziness surrounding theses charismatic con men and women that living in the guru’s insular world is a painful way to spend a spiritual journey that should be way more joyful.

6. Gurus tell us to kill our egos and become humble.

Translation: lose your individuality so you are easier for me to manage and exploit.

By the way, if you see my ex-fake-guru, the convicted felon, Prakashanand Saraswati, please immediate call authorities. He is known to be in India, but could be anywhere in the world.

If you see the child rapist Kripalu Maharaj, grab your children and run.

About Me

Simply stated, I am a writer, a warrior, and a wisdom guide. I help people discover and access their own personal gifts so they can live more satisfying lives.
But I am so much more than that — as I have discovered in the past few years. I’m also a wonderful cook, a great friend, a kind soul, an explorer, and a student of the world.
Ever since I left a “spiritual” organization, which I learned was actually a cult, I’ve had an desire to share what I have learned with others.
First and foremost, I want to warn people about the organization I was involved with for 16 years — to help them steer clear and not make the same mistakes I made.
Secondly, I hope to open more people’s eyes to the tragedy of fake spiritual leaders giving people false hope, while taking their money, self-worth, dignity, and individuality.
I hope that you find out the truth about the Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat cult, which has locations worldwide, before you get involved — and experience the damages. Please contact me if you have any questions.
All my best,
Rishika (Karen Jonson)
Writer, Warrior, Wisdom Guide